Section 108. The general assembly, representing the sovereignty of the State, has ample inherent power to impose taxes on all property within the State; and in an exercise of the power to tax, the purpose always is that a common burden shall be sustained by common contributions regulated by some fixed and general rule, and apportioned by the law according to some common rule of equality.

A tax is not a debt, in the ordinary sense of that term, but is an exaction or forced contribution from property, demanded by the taxing power to enable the government to discharge its functions.1

The power to tax all the property and business within the State is an essential attribute of sovereignty, and there is no restraint upon its exercise, when within constitutional limits.2

As we have seen, the legislative branch of the government has the exclusive power of taxation, but may delegate this power to municipal corporations.

The power to tax is not inherent in a municipality and such power can be exercised only when conferred; the power of taxation may be granted a municipal corporation in express terms, or it may be implied as necessary for the exercise of the powers expressly granted. When, for example, the legislature confers authority on a municipal body to contract a debt for some specific object, and makes no special provision for its payment, the municipality has implied power to levy the necessary tax to discharge the debt.3

1 Loeler vs. Leininger, 175 III., 484; McCullock vs. Maryland, 4 Wheat. (U. S.), 316.

2 North Missouri Railroad vs. Maguire, 20 Wall., 46.